OT / SWIPE: Gap Band Founder Returns As Solo Artist
Bart Van Hemelen
Gap Band Founder Returns As Solo Artist
Charlie Wilson looking to get back on radio with new single, 'Without
You,' and solo album, Absolutely.
Contributing Editor Eric Schumacher-Rasmussen reports:
In the summer of 1982, the Gap Band's "You Dropped a Bomb on Me" was
as ubiquitous as Sisqó's "Thong Song" or Destiny's Child's "Jumpin'
Jumpin' " have been this year.
With his new single, "Without You" (RealAudio excerpt), and his
upcoming solo album, Gap Band founder Charlie Wilson hopes to return
to radio with more substance than he hears in today's R&B hits.
"I just heard too many people using my style. It was time for me to
come back and take it back." — Charlie Wilson, Gap Band founder
"I just heard too many people using my style," Wilson said from his
home on St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. "It was time for me to come
back and take it back."
While Wilson and his two brothers, Ronnie and Robert, made a name for
themselves with funky, sexy jams, his new album is equal parts dance
music and romantic ballads. "Without You" (RealAudio excerpt) falls
into the latter category, and Wilson said he and his label wanted to
show listeners a different side of the singer.
"I originally wanted to release the title track, 'Absolutely,' which
is pretty funky," Wilson said. "But I didn't want people to think I
was just trying to capitalize on my past."
The single was released to radio last week and will be available in
stores Tuesday (Aug. 1).
The Gap Band haven't released an album since 1996's Live and Well.
Wilson said he had considered a reunion project but nixed the idea,
because his brothers "couldn't get it together in time."
"Besides, I want to come out with my own voice," Wilson said.
Absolutely is tentatively set for a September release.
[ Tues., August 1, 2000 8:38 AM EDT ]
Bart Van Hemelen
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Michael Gray
Sonuvfunk
umm, bullshit......
Michael Gray
Sonuvfunk
actually, not to nitpick but the album was called "Y2K" :)
Michael Gray
I'm going to have to pluu that out tonight. Thanks for the reminder. -Mg